Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A Masterpiece of Grace

Who are you? I mean more than your name and more than what you do. Who are you?

A mom? A daughter or sister? Nope - those are roles. A doctor or writer or teacher? Nope - those are roles as well. I want to know who you are, not what you are. You - deep down inside - you. Who are you?

Allow me to share some things I've been learning. Things that have changed the course of my attitude and focus. Things that have improved my relationships and my pursuits. Things that God has promised and because I've finally grabbed on to them, I've discovered freedom and and contentment and motivation like never before.

Your Value

Because you have been made in God's image (Genesis 1) you have purposeful, meaningful, eternal value. It's intrinsic. You cannot change our value, and neither can anyone or anything.

You are a Masterpiece of Grace because no matter what you do or do not do, you are valued by the Creator. No matter who maligns your character or demeans your spirit, you are valued by the Savior. No matter what happens to you or in you, you are valued by God.

Your value cannot be anything less than perfect because you are his. Your value has eternal significance. Doubt this or deny this, but the blessed truth remains: you have value and worth apart from anything you can ever do. You have value simply because God said so.

Your Identity

If you know Jesus personally, your identity is rooted in him. In his character and salvation and grace and power. You cannot escape him and you cannot hide from him. You cannot fall from him and you will not outdo him. You have been justified freely, are being sanctified continually, and will experience glory eternally.

But do you really know that? Not just in your mind, but in your heart and your emotions, too? Do you know with conviction that your identity has been bought with the price of a Holy Life in your place? Do you know with certainty that your identity is stamped with the image of God the Creator?

You are a Masterpiece of Grace because knowing Jesus personally secures your identity. Your identity is not based on performances or titles. It's not based on results or abilities. God looks on you and sees a heart he knew since before time began, and a life that offers potential and possibility that he has orchestrated for you alone.

Your identity cannot be anything less that perfect because you are his and he is yours. Your identity is sure. Doubt this or deny this, but the blessed truth remains: knowing Jesus personally guarantees identity with him and in him.

Your Role

Knowing you are valued by God and that your identity comes from knowing him ought to motivate and embolden you to pursue excellence in everything.

Are you a wife? Serve your husband and love him and cheer for him. Make your home a haven he longs to come to. Pursue excellence.

Are you a mom? Model Christ to your kids and shepherd them by living life with them. Choose intentional opportunities to point their hearts to the One who gives them their value. Pursue excellence.

Are you serving in your church? Give your best effort with joyful energy because you are grateful for the opportunity. Pursue excellence.

Are you growing in a career? Demonstrate to your coworkers that you delight in leading by serving. Choose an attitude that reflects contentment with today because of anticipated joy in tomorrow. Pursue excellence.

And on it goes with any other role.

Your performance in a specific role can be less than perfect when you forget to learn from and follow the Master - Son of God and Son of Man, Teacher, Healer, Savior, Friend. His roles were many and his relationships vast. But the blessed truth remains: Christ filled his roles with perfect excellence and equips you, his child, to do likewise.

You are a Masterpiece of Grace because your value in God's eyes and your identity in God's image enables you to successfully fill the various roles he's given you.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV

3 comments:

Awesome, AWESOME post, Sarah!!! I needed to hear this, needed this encouragement, conviction & truth! I love how you have the photos of your kids "masterpieces" interwoven with your words, beautiful! (And what talented budding artists you have there!) Thanks, as always, for sharing your heart & pointing others always toward Jesus! What a new & fresh blessing from one of my favorite Bible passages.

I am a promise...I am a possibility! This song came to mind when I read this post...maybe I think like a preschooler...ah! Thank you for this truth, friend, and the reminder to believe and trust in His promises and not the lies of the enemy! Love you!

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I'm a proud wife and mom who stays busy keeping her husband ironed and matching and her four kids alive. I enjoy writing/editing when I can, and wish there were more hours in a day to give to God's church and His ministries. I love the NC mountains and beaches - but not the BBQ and the sweet tea.